From:
cheryl luger
Date:
Dec 01 04:02 UTC
Short link
Henn co. Truth and taxation hearing is
Thursday, Dec 4th
....NOT wed. Dec. 3.
While I had it as Thurs in the meeting intro...I inadvertentlyformated it under
Wed's meetings/agendas. I had geek squad set my computer for automatic big
print beyond the text size options. ...disadvantage is I can see only a small
portion of my 'compose' screen.
Free parking after 4:30 - see link..
http://www.co.hennepin.mn.us/
apologies.
best wishes,
cheryl luger
nokomis east
ps. city, Park Board and bd est/tx T&T is still on for mon dec. 1st at 5:05.
for the **Park Board**, the budget means 15 more employees gone and... if a rec
center burns down or the whole heating system crashes...that facility will be
closed ..until money is 'found'. Kids pools will be closed if in need
ofextensive repair/safety upgrades...or until private sponsors with naming
rights come forward. Forget about soccer fields unless, like the tennis courts,
private funding can be found, The list goes on.
Unlike the City, No spare money for water fountains in the parks. Unlike the
city's convention center and target center, no money to repair the roof or
maintaining a 'world class' facility.
Unlike the city's RNC $200K Meet Mpls 'delegate experience'(less than 'stellar'
financial performance)at the conv.cntr, the park buildings have fewer hours for
programs at the community centers.
While the parks made some 'interesting' choices a few years ago, the city had a
few good years... instead of 'sharing', the city chose tospend time dumping the
libraries and starving the parks.
State outdoor legacy money can only be used in regional parks thru out the
whole state (mpls has several) but not community parks.Every county
municipality will be vying for the Stadium money. Altho libraries received more
hours, the park board has yet to receive any of the funding. Delay probably a
result of the different governing structures between the co. library and
municipalitycity park board.
There is **ONE THING** the city can do..stop delaying on the development
dedication fee approved thru state action.
While 'times are tough' and likely to get worse in 2010, the revenue received
from building permits in mpls is up a million. Much is home rennovation and
business but, according to the Strib article,
"Across the Mississippi River, Minneapolis building officials are pleased with
the status quo and anticipate a couple of larger projects again next year to
keep their revenue flush. Reimer, the inspections director, will be the first
to say he recognizes the city is in a good, and unusual, situation.."
http://www.startribune.com/local/stpaul/35263574.html?pqge=1&c=y
With the city's failure to negotiate adjustments (including at the Bd of
est/tx)...only option may be a referendum. It would provide an 'out' for the
Mayor/city council and avoid accountability.
At city's T&T, let the mayor and cm's know you support going forward with the
Park dedication fee. Or email/write/call the Mayor and Cm's before budget mark
up on Friday.
We're not 'customers' of the city
....we are the OWNERS of the city and those park buildings, pools and
facilities.
I never wonder to see men wicked, but I often wonder
to see them not ashamed.
--- Jonathan Swift